Dip, Drizzle, and Thrive: The Mediterranean Diet Made Simple
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, DCN, MS, RD, LD Updated May 27, 2026 The Mediterranean diet is a simple, flavorful way of eating inspired by the traditional foods of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Centered around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and lean proteins like fish and poultry, it emphasizes fresh, minimally […]
Stay Sharp: Stroke Prevention
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, DCN, MS, RD, LD Updated May 20th, 2026 When you’re spending time with friends or in a group, have you ever noticed someone showing any of these signs? Trouble with balance Complaints of blurred or poor vision A drooping face Weakness or numbness in one arm Difficulty speaking If you notice […]
Soy: The Superfood Your Body Will Thank You For
15Written by Dr. Andrew Akhaphong, DCN, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian Updated April 15, 2026 According to MN Soybean, Minnesota ranks as the third-largest soybean producer in the United States. Soybeans are the most widely grown and consumed bean worldwide, valued not only as a whole food but also for their versatile […]
Yes, You Can! How Red Meat Fits Into a Heart-Healthy Diet
Written by: Dr. Andrew Akhaphong, DCN, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian Updated: February 18, 2026 Americans eat a lot of meat. According to a 2023 USDA survey, the average intake is about 225 pounds per person each year, including beef, pork, turkey, and chicken. A 2025 study by the North American Meat […]
Sweet on the Tongue, Tough on the Heart
Written by: Dr. Andrew Akhaphong, DCN, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian Updated: February 5, 2026 When cholesterol runs high, advice like “avoid red meat,” “cut out red meat,” or “eat more plants” is often among the first recommendations from healthcare providers. Although these strategies can improve cholesterol levels in some individuals, added sugars are […]
Tomato Tales
Written by Maranda Cruz, Dietetic Intern, Viterbo University Updated January 23, 2025 When you think of tomatoes, what first comes to mind? Whether they are a fruit or vegetable, their nutritional value, or their versatility? Tomatoes are the second most consumed vegetable in the United States (2). Tomatoes are used in sauces, soups, casseroles, salads, […]
Catch Cod for Wellbeing
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Registered Dietitian Updated January 17, 2025 According to the Food and Beverage Trends 2025 Report by the Bell Institute of General Mills, high-protein lifestyles remain a top priority for consumers. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025) recommend to eat at least 8-ounces of seafood per […]
Rainbow Carrots: A Colorful Add-On for Health
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Registered Dietitian Updated January 10, 2025 Carrots are a root vegetable known for its identifiable orange color and green leafy tops; however, can also be found as “babies” for easy snacking on-the-go. The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2024 reports 60.9% of consumers are buying carrots which is […]
Baking with Apple Sauce
Written by Abby Gelineau, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Dietetic Intern Updated: December 26, 2024 Applesauce is the perfect side to any meal and a great way to get in a little fruit. It’s a perfect snack or lunch side for kids and is commonly used in lots of different ways as a […]
A Pear-fect Blend of Flavor and Health
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian *sponsored by USA Pears Updated December 5, 2024 The United States is the largest exporter of fresh pears, averaging 244.3-million pounds between 2021 and 2022. Exports of prepared/preserved pears (ie. frozen, jam, pie, etc.) accounted for only 6.2-million that same period.(1) A […]